AIDS vigil and tree lighting

Kick off the holiday season with Mama’s Kitchen at its free 32nd Annual “Tree of Life Candlelight Vigil and Tree Lighting Ceremony” to commemorate World AIDS Day. The nonprofit is excited to once again partner with Village Hillcrest, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus and Snooze A.M. Eatery to honor those impacted by AIDS, as well as recognize the ongoing commitment to end the worldwide epidemic.

The event takes place at Village Hillcrest Retail Center, 3965 Fifth Avenue at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1.

Free pet photos with Santa

This holiday season, Petco invites pets and pet parents to create lasting memories at the Photos with Santa event. Stores are decking the halls and setting the stage for pets to have their free photo taken with Santa. Head down to a local Petco store for a snapshot filled with holiday cheer from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.

North Park Winter Wonderland Festival

Food and craft vendors will be set up on both sides of North Park Way between Granada and 30th and on 29th by the Mini Park. Vegan Food Popup will be at the second annual winter festival. In between bites, shop locally and sustainably. Discover talented San Diego-Based artists and makers with unique, special and delicious gifts for everyone on your list.

Be sure to stop by the A Way Home for Dogs tent to meet their adorable, adoptable pups. This two-day event is free to attend and will feature a variety of fun, seasonal activities including a roller rink, photo booth, kids’ holiday arts & crafts stations and an appearance by Santa. Both days will showcase live music, with performances by The Craig Dawson Trio and The Goode Time Carolers. Visit Dec. 9 from 12-8 p.m. and Dec. 10 from 12-4 p.m.

Arts and Crafts Fair in North Park

USC Arts and Crafts…jpg

Looking for artistic gifts? On December 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Universal Spirit Center is putting on an Arts and Crafts Fair at the Lions Club at 3927 Utah Street in North Park.  Come and peruse local vendors showing pottery, jewelry, hand made clothing, paintings to one of a kind precious objects.  Shop and get some reiki, some aromatherapy and delicious home-made baked goods, hot chocolate and cider.

Queen Bee’s 15 year anniversary

Queen Bee’s Art and Culture Center, a community space and beacon for artists in North Park, San Diego, is thrilled to be celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. At the forefront of enriching the vibrant arts and culture scene in San Diego, Queen Bee’s has served as a nurturing haven where artistry flourishes, allowing for creatives of all walks of life to come together to express their talents in a welcoming community. Since 2008, Queen Bee’s has faced many challenges and achievements, and now, the community is invited to commemorate this anniversary milestone with a celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 12th at 12 p.m. The donation-based community event will feature food and drinks, live performances from artists such as Rudy Francisco, Gilbert Castellanos and Gregory Page, along with a proclamation from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. At 6 p.m., attendees are encouraged to grab their dancing shoes and participate in swing dancing classes featuring live swing music. The evening will be a night to remember!

 The donation-based event is open to the public and attendees must RSVP here. Queen Bee’s will be taking donations to be able to continue to support the arts for years to come. The swing class following the celebration will be $15 and tickets can be purchased here.

 Shop Hillcrest for the Holidays

Join Fabulous Hillcrest as they serve up a festive sip and shop event for the holidays! On December 14 from 5:30-9 p.m., shoppers will embark on a self-guided tour of the neighborhood filled with delicious drinks, captivating eats, and fabulous local shopping. Tickets are on sale now for this exciting Hillcrest Holiday Shopping (and sipping and sampling event)!

Participating retail locations offer festive holiday mini martinis, cocktails, and shopping opportunities while participating restaurants will offer an array of sample size dishes, specialty appetizers, and decadent desserts. Take yourself on a journey through international dishes and delicious libations—all while getting your holiday shopping done!

Beer tasting for Model Rail Museum

Ales N’ Rails, the most festive fundraiser in town, is just around the corner on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 6-9:30 p.m. at 1649 El Prado. Tickets are $40 & are available NOW at https://tickets.sdmrm.org/e/alesnrails23/tickets This event is for ages 21+ only. Tickets also be available for $45 at the door but may sell out.

Bivouac Ciderworks, Pizza Port Brewing Co., Chula Vista Brewery, El Cid Brewing Co., Athletic Brewing Co., Barley and Sword Brewing Co., and Burning Bear Brewing Co. will all have beer available to enjoy. The festivities also include live music, a raffle with prizes from businesses all around San Diego, and an ugly sweater contest.

Hillcrest Wind Ensemble’s winter concert

The Hillcrest Wind Ensemble presents “Winter Winds” on Saturday, Dec. 16th. at Linder Hall at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego, 2111 Camino del Rio South, in Mission Valley. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at hillcrestwindensemble.com or at the door. Join us for complimentary hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. Doors open at 6:30, and concert begins at 7 p.m.

Under the direction of Artistic Director, Christian Tordahl, the ensemble will perform contemporary pieces evoking a wintery feel as well as more traditional Christmas and Hanukkah pieces. Selections from the Disney classic, “Frozen” as well as the Broadway musical, “White Christmas”, will be two of the show stoppers of the evening. The band welcomes acclaimed vocalist, Lola Watson, for a moving rendition of the classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. A fabulous bake sale featuring homemade desserts and beverages will be available at intermission.

The 45-piece Hillcrest Wind Ensemble is in its 37th year of performing and is proud to be a musical ambassador for the community as a whole. For more information visit www.hillcrestwindensemble.com.

Lessons and Carols for Christmas

Members of the Cathedral Schola offer a heart-warming and beautiful service of Scripture readings and carols, to usher in the Christmas season in the tradition of the Church of England. The service will include Benjamin Britten “Ceremony of Carols” sung by the St Cecilia Alumni Choir with harp. Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral.